SAREL Pretorius is leaving the Dragons to return home with the Southern Kings.

The popular scrum-half will head back to South Africa at the end of his third season at Rodney Parade to stay in the Guinness PRO14 with the side from Port Elizabeth.

The 33-year-old signed from the Cheetahs in 2015 and has impressed with his eye for a gap and speed around the park, making 70 appearances and scoring 14 tries.

However, the Dragons have signed Wales international Rhodri Williams from Bristol and Rhodri Davies from Rotherham for next season.

They also currently have Wales Under-20s international Dan Babos, Tavis Knoyle, Charlie Davies and Owain Leonard on their books but the South African won't be the sole departure.

Pretorius said in January that he was hopeful of staying in Newport for another season and that he was in contract negotiations – “I don't want to leave because I've been here for the bad, so want to be here for the good as well” – but he has now committed to returning home with the side that recorded their first PRO14 win against the Dragons at the start of the month.

“I’ve signed with the Kings on a two-year deal” said Pretorius to OFM in South Africa.

“I’m very excited and I’m really looking forward to it. I think that there is a lot of good talent there in Port Elizabeth.

“I think it’s time to go back to South Africa now, I’ve had my share here in the cold Welsh weather.

“I made my mind up when we were touring South Africa a few weeks ago. I realised how much I was missing the sun and nice braais and stuff like that.

“It’s a good time for my family and myself to go back home now.”

Pretorius missed the loss to the Kings because of illness but is set to return to face his former side, the Cheetahs, in what will be a Rodney Parade farewell on Friday.

His new boss is excited to have snapped up an experienced half-back.

“Sarel’s record speaks for itself and I’m excited by the prospect of having him in our squad – not only because of his playing ability but also because of what our younger players will be able to learn from him,” said Kings head coach Deon Davids.